Bihar cabinet approves release of 600 crore for floods

The Bihar government on Tuesday approved release of Rs 600 crore from the state contingency fund for carrying out relief and rehabilitation work in areas reeling under flash floods for close to a month.

A decision to this effect was taken at the state cabinet here, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, principal secretary, Cabinet Secretariat Department, Sanjay Kumar told reporters.

According to the state's disaster management department, flash floods caused by torrential rainfall last month in catchment areas of Nepal has claimed 130 lives so far and affected close to nine million people living in about 1,300 panchayat areas of 111 blocks in 13 districts.

The principal secretary also disclosed that the state cabinet also gave its nod for a proposal of the transport department whereby vehicle owners will be able to get registration numbers of their choice through e-auction.

A loan of Rs 826.40 crore was approved for the Bihar Rajya Shiksha Vitta Nigam Ltd (state education finance corporation) for funding of the student's credit card scheme meant to enable youngsters from economically weaker sections pursue higher studies.

The corporation was set up last year by the chief minister who had expressed disappointment over lacklustre response from banks when these were approached by the state government.